The Autism Consultant

Not all potty training advice works for autistic children. In fact, some of the most commonly recommended strategies can actually increase resistance, anxiety, and pee or poop withholding. In this episode, I'm sharing 7 potty training strategies I would avoid, why they can backfire, and what I would focus on instead to make potty training a more supportive, individualized, and successful learning experience for your child. Because potty training isn't about forcing compliance. It's about teaching the missing skills your child needs to become more independent. Ready to ditch the diapers and work together? Let's do it! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership  

Potty training isn't just about what happens in the bathroom. Stress, anxiety, sensory needs, and regulation all play a huge role in whether a child is ready to learn. Sometimes the biggest potty training breakthroughs happen when we start supporting our child outside of the bathroom. In this week's podcast episode, I'm sharing why stress can stall potty training and practical ways to help your child feel more successful. Need help potty training? Get my step-by-step potty training plan that has helped over 1,000 families potty train their autistic child  https://www.theautismconsultant.us/pottytraining  

Wondering if your autistic child is ready for potty training? In this episode, I'm breaking down the readiness signs I look for before starting the potty training process. We'll talk about why age doesn't determine readiness, the foundational skills that make potty training easier, and what to focus on if your child isn't quite there yet. If you've been asking yourself, "Should we start potty training?" this episode will help you feel more confident about the next steps. Need support with potty training? That's exactly what I provide inside The Autism Constulant membership! Learn more here https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership  

Are you constantly repeating yourself, modeling the same skills, and relying on visuals and wondering if you're doing enough? In this episode, we're talking about the teaching strategies that often feel too simple or too repetitive, but are actually some of the most effective ways to support autistic children. Learn why repetition, modeling, visual supports, slowing down expectations, and breaking skills into smaller steps are powerful tools for skill development...and why "doing more" isn't always the answer.

In this episode, we're talking about one of the most powerful behavior tools you use every single day…your attention. Learn how attention influences behavior, why some behaviors keep increasing, and how to use connection intentionally to decrease challenging behaviors and support emotional regulation in autistic children. If you're ready for more support, guidance, and practical strategies, join my membership! Inside, you'll get access to my Behavior & Meltdown Online Course, ongoing coaching and collaboration from me, and you can attend my live workshop on decreasing challenging behaviors. You don't have to figure this out alone. https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership  

In this episode, we're talking all about HOW visual supports help autistic children build skills, increase independence, reduce frustration, and better understand expectations. I'm breaking down why visuals work so well, common mistakes parents make, and simple ways you can start using visual supports during everyday routines like potty training, transitions, emotional regulation, and more. Grab my Visual Supports Bundle here: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/visualsupportsbundle  

If your child is holding it, refusing the toilet, or only going in a diaper, you're not alone… and it's not what you think. In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind potty withholding in autistic children, including the roles of fear, sensory differences, and missing foundational skills....and what actually helps. 🎯 Ready for step-by-step support? Join my membership where I walk you through exactly how to move past withholding and build confident, independent toileting—without pressure or power struggles. Join here: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership  

It can be difficult for your autistic child to transition away from the ipad to do something less preferred. Today's episode provides you with a strategy to help this transition feel more manageable for both the parent and child.    To access all of my visual support, click here! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/visualsupportsbundle  

We have the pleasure of learning from Jamie Burch from Inclusion Therapy Services. Jamie is a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric speech and language pathologist who specializes in supporting autistic youth. This episode discusses strategies and tips for parents that focus on communication progress, boosting motivation, and collaborating with your school team. Follow Jamie Burch here! https://www.instagram.com/inclusion.slp/  

Potty training isn't something that we can just jump right into. We have some work to do BEFORE we ever sit your child on the toilet. Listen to this episode to find out a few things we have to do on the frontend.  If you need help potty training your autistic child, that is exactly what I help parents do inside The Autism Consultant membership! Let's collaborate and make sure you have a potty training plan that is specific to your child's needs.  https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership